Why Dubai?
Residency through company formation: Free zone company setup gets you a 2-3 year renewable investor visa. No property purchase required.
0% personal income tax: No tax on income, capital gains, dividends, or inheritance. UAE has no personal taxation.
9% corporate tax above AED 375,000: Low corporate tax on profits. First AED 375,000 (~$102,000) exempt. Many free zones offer 0% under QFZP status.
Note for U.S. citizens: The U.S. taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of residence. UAE's 0% personal tax benefits non-U.S. persons directly. Americans still get residency, banking, and business benefits.
Tax residency certificate: Available with 90+ days physical presence per year (with additional qualifying ties) or 183+ days standard. TRC unlocks treaty benefits with your home country.
World-class infrastructure: Modern healthcare, education, transportation. English widely spoken in business.
Strategic location: Direct flights to every major global city. Hub connecting Europe, Asia, Africa, Americas.
Strong banking system: International banks, multi-currency accounts, sophisticated financial services.
Safe and stable: Low crime, political stability, business-friendly regulations.
Who This Is For
Entrepreneurs and business owners seeking 0% personal tax in a major global business hub.
High-income professionals who can work remotely or establish UAE operations.
International traders and service providers operating from a strategic East-West junction.
Those building multi-jurisdiction strategies with tax-free residency as one layer.
Families seeking quality of life with excellent schools, healthcare, and safety.
People who can spend 90+ days per year in UAE for tax residency benefits.
The Process
Step 1: Free Zone Company Formation (2-4 weeks)
We register your free zone company. Trade license issued. Bank account opened. Flexi-desk or office arranged. This forms the basis of your investor visa eligibility.
Step 2: Investor Visa Application (1-2 weeks)
With company established, we submit your residence visa application. Medical examination, Emirates ID application, documentation prepared.
Step 3: Visa Approval and Stamping (1 week)
Visa approved and stamped in passport. Emirates ID issued. You're now a UAE resident with 2-3 year renewable status.
Requirements
Valid passport: At least 6 months validity remaining.
Free zone company: Registered in approved UAE free zone with valid trade license.
Physical presence for setup: Required for medical exam, Emirates ID biometrics, visa stamping. Can be completed in one 3-5 day trip.
Clean background: No criminal record. Background check may be required.
Company bank account: UAE corporate bank account required. We assist with opening.
Office or flexi-desk: Registered business address in free zone (flexi-desk acceptable for most activities).
What's Included
Free zone company formation: Complete registration with trade license in approved UAE free zone.
Flexi-desk or office arrangement: Registered business address as required by free zone authority.
Investor visa processing: Application preparation, submission, coordination with immigration.
Medical examination: Required health check arranged and processed.
Emirates ID application: National ID card application and issuance.
Bank account assistance: Guidance for opening UAE corporate and personal accounts.
Initial compliance setup: First-year regulatory requirements handled.
Timeline
Milestone | Timeframe |
|---|---|
Free zone company formation | 2-4 weeks |
Bank account opening | 2-3 weeks |
Investor visa application | 1-2 weeks |
Medical and Emirates ID | 3-5 days (in UAE) |
Visa stamping | Same week as medical |
Total process | 6-8 weeks |
First renewal eligible | Year 2-3 |
Important Notes
Tax residency requires physical presence: To obtain a UAE Tax Residency Certificate (TRC), you need either 90+ days per year with qualifying ties (UAE residence, business, property) or 183+ days standard.
2-3 year validity: Initial visa typically 2-3 years depending on free zone. Renewable as long as company remains active.
Company must stay active: Trade license must remain valid. Annual renewal required.
Corporate tax: 9% on profits above AED 375,000 (~$102,000). Some free zones offer 0% under Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) status.
Annual audit required: UAE companies need annual financial audit.
One-time trip required: Medical exam, biometrics, visa stamping require physical presence in UAE. Plan 3-5 days.
Banking compliance: UAE banks have strict due diligence. Expect detailed questions about business activity and source of funds.
